Forgiveness

"Forgiveness- it does not change the past, but it does change the future."

What does it mean to forgive? How do you forgive? When do you forgive? Forgiveness is difficult.

Forgiveness starts at a young age. From saying "sorry" to your siblings, cousins, friends, whatever the case may be. But, as we grow older, sometimes we forget what we learned as a child. We forget what forgiveness is, because we run into major issues (instead of just someone stealing our toy or taking the last cookie).

We run into real problems where forgiveness needs to be involved- family fights, disagreements, firing from a job. I don't know your situation but I'm sure it could find its place here on the list.

Let me share a piece of my story. So, as you may know, Carrie and I are in a happy relationship. You may also know that we have been very involved in our "Church". There are many within our church congregation who accept us and love us, but there are many in the larger body of the "Church" who disagree. Essentially because of our age difference. So, they kicked Carrie out of all youth ministry activities, something that was very important to her. That occurred a little over a year ago. The larger "Church" body still has shown no forgiveness. I am not asking for her to be invited back into youth ministry activities, because I understand the circumstances. I am asking for the church to practice what they preach- forgiveness. To treat her with respect and not give her the cold shoulder. To not look at her like a villain, because she is not. We have forgiven them, why can't they forgive us?

Forgiveness is difficult. I know I already said that but especially in a case like mine and Carrie's, it is very difficult. But, why?

God sent his only son to die on the cross. To suffer pain. All to FORGIVE OUR SINS. So, why do we not have it in our hearts to forgive others?

Is a "sorry" enough? Sometimes it may be. But other times it's not. Forgiveness takes effort and time. You cannot change the things that happened in the past, but forgiveness does change the future. I pray that in the near future forgiveness will come for us and for your situation.